Biennial Model Trolley Meet in Oaks

There’s an event this weekend at the Greater Expo Center in Oaks that doesn’t come around too often. So, if you’re interested in trolleys, streetcars or model railroading — especially trolley models — you should plan on attending the East Penn Traction Club 21st National Model Trolley Meet.

In the spring of odd numbered years, the East Penn Traction Club sponsors the largest trolley-only model meet in the country. The biennial meet will be held Friday and Satruday at the huge convention hall in Oaks.

The meet brings together the premier modelers and manufacturers from all over America for a weekend of viewing models, layouts, films, photos and slides, along with model contests and how-to clinics on subjects ranging from hanging trolley wire to modeling subway cars.

The theme for the 2013 meet will be Cincinnati Car Company Cars. There will be several judged model contests including one for the meet theme and one for best operating module.

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Hobbyists will be delighted with the potential to do some serious shopping for trolley kits, parts and bodies as well as prototype data such as photos and books.

As a special side attraction on Sunday, the Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys will celebrate the centennial of trolley service to Media with a special charter on the SEPTA Media and Sharon Hill Lines with motive power supplied by a Red Arrow Kawasaki LRV. Fare for the excursion is $45 per person. All proceeds will go toward the restoration of historic Philadelphia streetcars in museums.

What: 21st National Model Trolley Meet

When: May 3 and 4 - 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday

Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks

Tickets: Meet registration is $25 per person. Spouses and children under 18 are admitted free with a registered adult